By The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports that Niger Republic has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), warning that such a move would have serious security consequences for both countries.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, clarified that the MNJTF remains a vital regional security alliance. He stressed that all efforts should be made to prevent any member state from leaving the force.
Kangye emphasized that Niger’s withdrawal would not be in the best interest of either Nigeria or Niger Republic. “When you hear ‘them say,’ it means the information lacks credibility,” he stated. He pointed out that similar concerns had been raised in recent months, particularly when some ECOWAS members attempted to exit the regional bloc.
The MNJTF, established by the Lake Chad Commission countries, plays a crucial role in tackling shared security threats. “Nigeria has been making significant efforts to sustain this task force. If a member withdraws, the impact would be significant, weakening collective efforts,” Kangye added.
He assured the public that Nigeria remains committed to regional security and will continue monitoring the situation. “Efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening. We will provide further updates as necessary,” he stated.
Additionally, Kangye reaffirmed that security forces remain focused on apprehending notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji. He dismissed claims that the military had scaled down operations against terrorists, herdsmen, and cattle rustlers.
